Spartans eyeing another league crown and more

By Russ Green-Sports Editor

The Richmond Spartans continue to dominate the MRVC East golfers and will be aiming for their fifth consecutive 8-0 league record this spring when they tee off Friday against Higginsville. Coach Murray Dennis would like to see his season extend past the district and sectional tournaments this season. He has nine golfers in which to work with, and will need to replace two graduated seniors, Zach Smith and Lucas Farabee, from last season.

“Obviously losing these guys will affect us,” Dennis said. “We need to fill two varsity positions and hope to defend our conference title and also advance farther than last season.”

Two of the three sectional qualifiers return for a Richmond squad that was 10-3 overall last season. Both are juniors. Reece Milligan tied for fourth place at last springs’ district tournament, while Zach Frederick placed 15th. Both are expected to battle for the No. 1 and No. 2 spots.

The three remaining spots will be decided between seniors Justin Persell and Davis Johnson and another sophomore, Phillip Kincaid, who is a newcomer to the district.

“Phillip has a lot of golf experience and is very knowledgeable about the game,” Dennis said. “What I understand and have been told, he is a pretty good player and he played a lot over the summer.”

Persell is coming off shoulder surgery this fall, and Dennis said will be needed on varsity this spring. He is also looking for a solid year from Johnson.